Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite appetizer: the Everything Bagel Cheese Ball. This showstopping party snack brings together the bold flavors you adore from a classic everything bagel—think poppy and sesame seeds, onion, and garlic—but in a creamy, crave-worthy cheese ball that’s practically made for sharing. Whether you’re gathering with friends for game night or searching for an effortless-yet-impressive holiday treat, this recipe is always a hit. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable and looks stunning on any appetizer spread!

Everything Bagel Cheese Ball Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about the Everything Bagel Cheese Ball is how accessible the ingredients are. Each component, from the rich foundation of cream cheese to the iconic bagel seasoning, plays a starring role in creating the perfect bite: creamy, tangy, and full of irresistible crunch and flavor.

Cream Cheese: The creamy, dreamy base that holds everything together—make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a pop of flavor and a gorgeous hint of color; shredding your own makes the cheese ball extra melty-smooth.
Sour Cream: Just a dollop helps the cheese ball stay lusciously soft and spreadable without being too dense.
Chopped Green Onions: These flecks of green add a mild bite and brighten up the entire mix.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: The MVP—this mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt delivers the unmistakable everything bagel zing.
Garlic Powder: A little extra boost for those who can’t get enough garlicky goodness.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a touch for subtle umami richness and depth.
Optional: Chopped Fresh Dill or Chives: Adds freshness and color if you want to dress things up a bit.

How to Make Everything Bagel Cheese Ball

Step 1: Blend the Cream Cheese and Fillings

In a large bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, sour cream, green onions, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and any optional fresh herbs. Mix well with a sturdy spatula or hand mixer until the mixture is fully combined and almost fluffy. This is where the flavor magic happens: every bite will have the perfect balance of creamy base and punchy aromatics.

Step 2: Shape Into a Cheese Ball

Scrape the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Gather up the corners of the wrap and gently shape the cheese mixture into a ball. Twist the ends tightly and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours. This chill time firms up the cheese ball, making it easy to roll in your signature seasoning later.

Step 3: Roll in Everything Bagel Seasoning

Pour a generous layer of everything bagel seasoning onto a plate. Unwrap your chilled cheese ball and roll it all over the seasoning, pressing gently so every surface is evenly coated. This step is what transforms the cheese ball into the iconic Everything Bagel Cheese Ball you know and love, giving it that golden, super-savory exterior and irresistible crunch.

Step 4: Serve or Chill Until Party Time

You can serve the cheese ball immediately, or return it to the fridge if you want to make it ahead. Just let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving, so it’s perfectly spreadable and full of flavor.

How to Serve Everything Bagel Cheese Ball

Garnishes

For a truly eye-catching presentation, top your Everything Bagel Cheese Ball with a sprinkle of extra seasoning, a few chopped green onions, or a scattering of fresh chives and dill. Garnishes aren’t just pretty—they add fresh flavor and hint to your guests at the cheesy wonders beneath.

Side Dishes

This cheese ball pairs beautifully with crispy bagel chips, buttery crackers, or fresh-cut veggies like cucumber rounds, carrot sticks, or bell pepper strips. If you want to get fancy, serve it with mini everything bagels sliced in half—how cute is that?

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Everything Bagel Cheese Ball the centerpiece of a snack board surrounded by assorted dippers, pickled veggies, olives, and even smoked salmon for a nod to classic bagel toppings. For party favors, try forming the mixture into mini cheese balls—perfectly poppable and easy for guests to grab.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), just wrap the cheese ball tightly or transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will keep its texture and flavor for up to 4 days. The seasoning coating helps seal in freshness and keeps the cheese smooth.

Freezing

You can freeze the uncoated cheese ball (before rolling in seasoning) for up to a month; just wrap it tightly in plastic and pop it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then roll in fresh everything bagel seasoning just before serving. While you technically can freeze a fully assembled Everything Bagel Cheese Ball, the seeds may lose some crunch.

Reheating

Since this is a no-cook appetizer, reheating isn’t necessary. However, always allow the cheese ball to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving—this makes it super spreadable and gets the flavors blooming again.

FAQs

Can I make the Everything Bagel Cheese Ball ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance gives the flavors time to mingle for even more impact. Just keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge and add the everything bagel seasoning right before serving.

What if I can’t find everything bagel seasoning?

No worries—you can mix up your own blend with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and a pinch of flaky salt. It only takes a few minutes and tastes every bit as good!

Can I use different cheeses?

Definitely! While sharp cheddar is classic, you can swap in pepper jack for a hint of heat, or use Monterey Jack for a milder twist. Just make sure to choose a robust-flavored cheese that shreds well and complements the seasoning.

How do I keep the cheese ball from sticking when shaping?

Soft, room-temperature cream cheese is the key. If things get sticky, lightly coat your hands or the plastic wrap with nonstick spray or oil. Working quickly helps too—once it’s chilled, it firms right up.

What’s the best way to transport the cheese ball?

Wrap it snugly in plastic wrap and nestle it in a shallow, sealable container. For extra insurance, carry the seasoning separately and roll right before serving—this keeps the topping super crisp.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a die-hard everything bagel enthusiast or just looking for a new party hit, the Everything Bagel Cheese Ball is pure crowd-pleasing comfort. Grab those simple ingredients, give it a whirl, and watch how quickly it disappears (recipes this easy and delicious have a way of doing that). I can’t wait for you to share the magic with family and friends!

Everything Bagel Cheese Ball Recipe